"The young halfling in front of me goes by the name of Tobin Longbottom, a name that's famous in these parts for pipe weed, but this quick little fellow doesn't have the look of a farmer about him, and I think he'll have to account of his profession if he wishes to stay in our company," Kessel says with a sly smile, "I think I remember a quick little hobbit from my youth, a killer at tiddlywinks, but I digress."
"I see your famous memory for details hasn't deserted you, KC," Tobin interjects. "My family does, indeed, grow pipeweed - the finest in all the North! Well, according to my da, at any road. If you're interested, I can let you have a little of his special leaf - but only a little, mind."
"As for myself, my talents run in another direction - well, several other directions, more accurately. If you need something fixed, or you need fixing up, I can put you right, or point you in the right direction. I know who does what and who's done what. But, most of all, if you you're on the lookout for an amiable companion to share a mug and a pipe or two with, then I'm the very fellow! So I'll gladly join you all at the Happy Cow this evening, where we can chat about old times, and good times to come, perchance. And maybe even find time for a game of tiddlywinks." On this last word, Tobin winks exaggeratedly, then steps backwards and vanishes into the flow of the passing crowd.
"Aye, I am sure there is a law somewhere that says as much Kessel, and I like the idea......how about the Happy Cow? heard its an interesting place..." Zereta says "if that is good with everyone, I will take my leave as I have a meeting with a man who thinks I tire too easily" Zereta looks towards the riverbank before looking up at the sun to gage how much time she has before the fateful meeting.
"Try not to hurt him badly," Kessel says, "and try to remember which way arms and legs bend so you can leave him as you found him. Being a sensitive man of nature I'd hate to hear of some poor fool found all twisted and broken on the river banks. I think you'll find some men mean something completely different when they speak of wrestling with a beautiful woman . . ."
Darie nodded. "Sure, hopefully the day will earn me a bit of coin, so an ale or two is something i won't say no to." The idea was good, catching up on old times (as slim as they might be) was better than having next to no one to turn to.
"I just hope this Auric Tallstag won't take it personally, he invited me as well." Somehow, the admission felt a little bit... "off" to her.
'Tallstag,' Kessel thinks, 'that was it. How could I forget a name like that?'
"Auric is a big boy," Kessel says with slight smile, "I'm sure he'll be fine."
"As for myself, my talents run in another direction - well, several other directions, more accurately. If you need something fixed, or you need fixing up, I can put you right, or point you in the right direction. I know who does what and who's done what. But, most of all, if you you're on the lookout for an amiable companion to share a mug and a pipe or two with, then I'm the very fellow! So I'll gladly join you all at the Happy Cow this evening, where we can chat about old times, and good times to come, perchance. And maybe even find time for a game of tiddlywinks." On this last word, Tobin winks exaggeratedly, then steps backwards and vanishes into the flow of the passing crowd.
Kessel turns to address the halfling but by then he's already vanished. "Sounds like we're all in agreement then," Kessel says, "I'll see everyone there later, and if all goes well here," Kessel says looking to his hat, "drinks may be on me."
"Aye, I am sure there is a law somewhere that says as much Kessel, and I like the idea......how about the Happy Cow? heard its an interesting place..." Zereta says "if that is good with everyone, I will take my leave as I have a meeting with a man who thinks I tire too easily" Zereta looks towards the riverbank before looking up at the sun to gage how much time she has before the fateful meeting.
”A splendid idea!” Khadath adds to the conversation with a chuckle. ”it will be good to catch-up, and to get to know the rest of you better as well. The Happy Cow it is. I have other obligations to fulfill at the moment, but I’ll see you all there then.”
With a brimming smile he turns to leave, then stops for a moment and address Darie.
”Ms. Billown. A moment if you will” he asks as he motions for her to walk with him.
”I am curious, is all well?" he ask once they started to walk several paces. "It is uncommon to see you in town unattended. Is there perhaps something that I may assist you with?” Khadath ask with a genuine look of concern.
Darie started to walk with the priest, and already felt this would be something else than an entirely carefree talk, but still, she felt caught with her fingers in the cookie jar. "Indeed... There have been some... events that convinced me i better seek my own path, away from home."
She paused for a moment - somehow the explanation she had privately put together in her mind seemed inadequate, but it would have to do. "Right now i am trying to make my own way, for a while. Maybe marry down the road, and move in with another family, or else take up some regular work in one of the cities businesses. Or leave altogether. I have not quite decided yet."
After Kells finishes his dealings with the Guildhouse, he returns to his room at the inn, dons his armor, and heads down to the riverside to wait for Zereta.
Darie started to walk with the priest, and already felt this would be something else than an entirely carefree talk, but still, she felt caught with her fingers in the cookie jar. "Indeed... There have been some... events that convinced me i better seek my own path, away from home." She paused for a moment - somehow the explanation she had privately put together in her mind seemed inadequate, but it would have to do. "Right now i am trying to make my own way, for a while. Maybe marry down the road, and move in with another family, or else take up some regular work in one of the cities businesses. Or leave altogether. I have not quite decided yet."
”I see. I will not claim to know what is best for you, though I do understand that at one point or another, we must all make a choice as to which path in life we will take, myself include. I was not born a servant of Lathander you know.” Khadath says with a smile and a small laugh.
”I would say that whatever decisions you settle upon that you do not make then in haste. Some choices are harder to undo than others. Remember that Lathander will light your way, it is for you to decide for yourself if you wish to see on which path the light shine.” Khadath says, but did not mean to get into a speech of sorts.
”listen to me go on, you’d think I was twice your senior and giving a sermon.’ Khadath laughs once more. ”You are an attractive and intelligent young lady Ms. Billown, trust your instincts and they’ll serve you well.” he then gives her a small wink.
”now what’s this about Auric Tallstag and you having drinks together? I seem to recall hearing he’d won some Champion's Games of sorts in Waterdeep. Oh, never mind, its none of my business anyways, just bear in mind that what’s on the outside isn’t necessarily what’s on the inside, you understand?” he raises a brow as he finishes his statement.
Shrugging, Darie tried to dispel the somewhat heavier mood with a smile and an offhanded remark "Whichever way i turn, it can end in disaster or great things. I will just have to trust the gods and my own two hands."
When the topic moved to Auric, a small glimmer of less secure positions showed up in her face. "He is an attractive man, and charming of sorts. But his companion is more than just rude, and well... believe it or not, i was not born yesterday. I know full well what some attractive men like to do. If i accept his invitation, I'll keep my head out of the clouds, and firmly grounded on this world." Spoken almost defensively - but not too much so.
”Very well spoken Ms. Billown. I dare say that Sunmist himself would agree with me that with a conviction like that, you shall see the signs Lathander will lay before your chosen path as you make your own way in life with your hands, as you put it.” Khadath replies with a smile of support. If Khadath picked up on Darie defensiveness he surely didn’t show it.
"Well, I’ve taken enough of your time Ms. Billown and I hope to see you later at the Happy Cow.”
If Darie has nothing else to add, Khadath will wish her a good day, then head to see the second merchant. For everyone else, Liam Sunmist is a High level Cleric of Lathander
After Kells finishes his dealings with the Guildhouse, he returns to his room at the inn, dons his armor, and heads down to the riverside to wait for Zereta.
Zereta bids everyone a quick goodbye with promise to see everyone these evening at the Happy Cow. Then moves off along the street towards the riverbank. Eventually she arrives to find Kells waiting for her "So you showed up I was wondering whether you would", zereta chuckles "So how do you want to do this? To first blood? To the death? To the pain?" "shall we wrap our swords in cloth? I leave the terms to you...just be ready to find your self wanting." Zereta grins as she removes her sword from her back and removes her cloak and extra gear from her person in preperation for the fateful battle to come.
Kells laughs "Oh, not to the death, certainly. That would ruin the fine day for both of us... me for the killing and you for the dying." He raises his hand to show he is japing. "No, no high stakes battles for the day, just excercise and working on reflexes. No blood, wrapped weapons, flat hits. Maybe an embarassing bruise or a goose's egg to show for out titanic conflict over a tankard tonight."
The young paladin starts wrapping cloth around the head of a very fine looking warhammer he has at his side. Whenever Zereta has her preparations finished he starts circling her with a smile, looking for an opening under that huge sword. He is not light on his feet.
For sparring Initiative. (1d20=9)
Zereta finishes prep by wrapping her sword in cloth and then begins to circle Kells
Zereta sees an opening and attacks swing her sword
Attack on kells in sparring match (1d20 2=7)
and comes out swinging as Kells dodges.
Khadath:
Kells:
"I will meet you at the Happy Cow, then. Have a good day, Reverent." Darie curtsied, lowering her head for a moment, before heading back off into the market proper - she did need to get some work done, after all.
Kells sidesteps the swing and moves a quick step forward. Using the head of his hammer like a thrusting weapon, he pushes the wrapped head into Zereta's ribs. A flat swing would have surely heard some ribs crack, but the blow was still solid.
Non-lethal attack (normal attack +6, non-lethal penalty -4= +2) (1d20+2=21)
Non-lethal damage (1d8+3=9)
Zereta lets out a groan of pain and takes a knee, trying to catch her breath that has been knocked out of her. "Well friend Kells looks like I am not quite what I thought I was...I will accept this defeat but I would ask that you accept an invitation to a dinner with my friends and myself this eve at the Happy Cow. What say you?" Zereta stands up and rubs her injured ribs knowing this will hurt in the morning and that she will definitely have a bruise.
Kayotic DM Spoiler
Perhaps an odd neck piece or armband which the brooch looks like it might/is supposed to fit into?
Or a set of Leather/Silver/Golden armbands with golden lettering if Leather/Silver and Silver lettering if Golden as a companion piece? (though not as armor)
Or anything else you might have already thought up :)
As for Evelyn Sunstar or anything else, npc’s etc.., that might come up, should I make rolls if I desire or only when you add a DC in the post? I don’t know what your adding in just for fluff or actually game flavor info if it matters or not.
Another thing, everyone has their own perspective as to what’s, easy, basic, or tough. From my point of view, being a Cleric of Lathander I would view a reference to Evelyn Sunstar as easy or basic, since their of the same faith, then basic or tough if of another faith, then perhaps tough for other classes. So, I’m also just trying to figure out when I should just Take 10 (which would result in most cases a 14-17 at 1st level) or make a roll?
From PHB pg78: under Knowledge Skill
Check: Answering a question within your field of study has a DC of 10 (for really easy questions), 15 (for basic questions), or 20 to 30
(for really tough questions).
Khadath arrives at the riverbank just as Kells strikes a solid blow to Zereta, his initial thought is that their straight out battling one another, that is until he eyes the wrapped weapons.
ouch.., that must have hurt... he thinks as he finds a place to stand as not to distract the combatants.
hmmm.., perhaps he simply asked me here in the event one of then was seriously hurt, or to announce the winner, or perhaps rule when the battle should be ended..?” he contemplates as he waits to see if Zereta will continue with the battle.
Seeing as the battle has end, Khadath steps forth making himself known.
”I dare say, I nearly missed the entire combat, that was a rather tough looking blow at he end there, are you alright?” he asks looking at Zereta.
"Just sore from Kells slap to my ribs" lifts her studded leather halter enough to look at the spot she was struck..."Yep just a bruise" chuckles.
Khadath:
In this case; Khadath is easily aware of the story of Evelyn Sunstar, a half-elven priestess of the Morninglord. She lived over 500 years ago and In her lifetime she was a respectable adventurer who spread the word of Lathander, her companion and future husband was Ivorin Clearbrooke another half-elven priest, follower of Lliira. Together and with the help of their companions they played pivitol roles in helping rid the Silver Marches of undead menaces, in particular a vampire that went by the name of Lord Zlavid who had been a curse on Silverymoon for some years.
Kells blushes as he moves to help Zereta stand up.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to whack you that hard. I just saw the opening and got overzealous. Nothing really damaged, is there?"
When Zereta finishes examining her ribs and laughs the damage off, Kells noticably calms. He looks even brighter when he sees that Khadath has shown up.
"Well, as victor of the sparring, I win the honor of buying the first two rounds tonight. I'm at the Happy Cow and would love to get some insight into Daggerford."
"..and as loser I have the third and fourth round of drinks....and if I am not to drunk by that point the fifth round..." Zereta sticks her hand out to you in gesture of friendship "Well met Kells, and I will see you at the Happy Cow."
Kessel waits till about ten minutes before the meeting at the Happy Cow before he gathers up his hat and coins. Kessel quickly sorts the coin, enough for another night of room and board goes in one pocket, another pocket holds enough coin to by a round of drinks for Kessel and up to eight others, and the remainder goes into his coin purse.
Kessle then looks about the market, he looks for something to eat, he examines bowstrings, lute strings, handkerchiefs, fine clothing, thumbs through any books he sees, and then after a half an hour he buys a few odds and ends (probably strings, a new handkerchief, and maybe some grooming supplies) and then he returns to his room to pack away his extra things and to hide his coin for room and board. He knows that by this point he's about twenty minutes late, but his friends wouldn't expect him to be early (or even on time for that matter), and so he knows he's got about ten minutes before the others notice his absence. Kessel quickly washes his face, combs his hair, and then uses his prestidigitation spell to take any of the dirt, grime, or sweat that he might have accumulated throughout the afternoon. Kessel then straps on his sword, grabs his lute, and makes his way over to the Happy Cow.
"Hello everyone," Kessel says as he enters, "I trust I'm not late."
Kayotic DM
”Excellent, Mr. Blackstone. You honor me and the Lathanderian church to have these pieces in your collection, so they may return to our fold. What would you ask for the pair?” he asks. Then Khadath has another thought "I could perhaps arrange so that in the future you could bring certain items directly to the church for acquisition if you’d like?” he figures that this would give the church a better chance at acquiring items that would normally pass them by though it wasn’t Khadath intent, the proposal may have some influence on the current transaction. Just guessing Brittar might feel it couldn’t hurt to have the favor of the church (or perhaps simply Khadath), never know when someone will need a raise dead or other spell. :)
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Seeing Zereta bruise and noting that nothing is protruding outward, Khadath discerns that she be fine but the bruise will likely ache for sometime. [b]”your lucky not to have any broken ribs, else you’d wouldn’t be so sporty about it, though it probably wouldn’t hurt to wrapped a bandage around yourself when you get a moment. I would offer to do it myself but I did not think or know to bring my healing kit.” he then gives Kells a glance.
As Zereta rushes off he calls after her “you’d might want to restrict yourself to just light activity for the remainder of the day.”
Turning to Kells, Khadath asks ”so is this roughhousing the reason you invited me here?” he begins to say feeling a bit mislead. ”or is there another matter that you cared to discuss?"
Darie entered about the same time Kessel made his way to the tavern, covered in sawdust, sweat and half-dried resin. She looked very tired, but at the same time not ready to just collapse into bed and sleep. "Same goes for me... Lugging these logs took longer than i though... and damn, he was right when he said i might not have the arms for it."
Taking a chair without waiting for it to be offered, she motioned for a drink. What it was, she didn't care so much as that it came straight from the cellar, and thus was going to be cool.
Kells blinks in confusion at Khadath for a second, then connects the dots.
He shakes his head "Oh, no. Nothing like that. The bit of training was for practice and sport. I actually wanted to talk to you about... the situation up...there." He nods toward town. "I am begining an enterprise and seeing you in the market seemed quite auspicious. I wish to improve the lot of the miners and the town as a whole. This town use to hold joy and it is being crushed and pulverized as surely as the ore that comes out of this land's fertile bossum. I want the grace of Lliira to smile on the square again. But to do this, I need to start forming a network within the community. Allies I can count on and turn to to bolster my inadequacies. You look to be a man of learning and as a follower of Lathander, I trust that you would like to see goodness rekindled within Daggerford. A new dawn rising out of a dark night."
He stops to let his words carry whatever weight and make whatever impact they will.
After a long afternoon picking up supplies at the market for her father and working an hour or so at the forge, Zereta comes walking into the Happy Cow. Zereta looks around as she enters to find the table everyone is sitting at and takes a seat.
"Evening all, sorry for being a little late," She waves the waitress over and orders an ale "Shall we order food or just drink?" she says to everyone assembled around the table.
You look to be a man of learning and as a follower of Lathander, I trust that you would like to see goodness rekindled within Daggerford. A new dawn rising out of a dark night." He stops to let his words carry whatever weight and make whatever impact they will.
Khadath looks directly into Kells eyes for several moments as if he were reading the fledging paladins soul. The rays of light from above dance upon his armor which make Kells look even taller and pure-hearted. Khadath steps up to Kells, raises the arm which now adorns his newly acquired armband purchased from the market and places his hand on Kells shoulder.
"I believe the crossing of our path is not by chance Champion of Lliira, and yes, there has been much decadence in Daggerford as of late. Some of which also spews from the guildmaster of the local mine owners, Balabar Smenk, an all around corrupt and unpleasant man.”, Khadath pauses a momentarily to gauge Kells reaction before continuing. ”I’m called Khadath, and as you well already know, a servant of Lathander.” he says with a nod.
”Though you may turn to me at anytime of need, and include me amongst those you would call an ally, I would know thee name first. So as time progress you may also call me a trusted friend!”. There is no wavering in Khadath voice as he addresses Kells.
I would think there's gotta be a chance that Kells might spot Lliira holy symbol on the armband.
we may continue this portion in a backward timeframe with spoilers so not to interfere with the normal game flow reading, though everyone may want to read along as whatever we post (if anything important), may become common knowledge to all later
To Khadath
"This has to be a portent. It is too finely honed to be pure coincidence! You wear jewelry that depicts both of our faiths in concert?? This cannot be happenstance."
He glances around furtively making sure no one else is within earshot.
"My friend... for I am certain that our paths are stringly twined, I am Kells Gryffoncrest. I travel under the assumed name of 'HearthFire' as Smenk is one of the main targets of my efforts here in town. I am originally from Daggerford, but left many years ago. My father was a miner and my mother a tavern girl. Smenk and his lackeys made no end of pain for them and eventually the mines claimed my father's life. My broken-hearted mother died not long after that. I want to topple the towers of greed and persecution of the common folk that grind the common workers down. I will take my hammer and topple them by myself if need be, but I would rather work to help the people change themselves. They will fight harder to keep freedoms that they have a stake in reclaiming, but when they have been beaten down by organizations such as Smenks for so long, it is hard to shake off the bonds of servitude."
"But come, let us repair to the Happy Cow. I owe Zereta a couple of tankards of good-will for engaging in our little sport down here. She will show up presently, and I can take advantage of my room to stow away my mail."
To Kells Gryffoncrest
I am originally from Daggerford, but left many years ago. My father was a miner and my mother a tavern girl. Smenk and his lackeys made no end of pain for them and eventually the mines claimed my father's life. My broken-hearted mother died not long after that. I want to topple the towers of greed and persecution of the common folk that grind the common workers down. I will take my hammer and topple them by myself if need be, but I would rather work to help the people change themselves. They will fight harder to keep freedoms that they have a stake in reclaiming, but when they have been beaten down by organizations such as Smenks for so long, it is hard to shake off the bonds of servitude."
”your loss has strengthen your resolve, but let us not act in haste. One man alone can do very little, a bit more patients is needed. As you’ve revealed your true nature to me, so shall others, strong to our cause, be made known to us. The darkness surrounding Daggerford shall fall away once the light of our gods is cast upon it.”
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"But come, let us repair to the Happy Cow. I owe Zereta a couple of tankards of good-will for engaging in our little sport down here. She will show up presently, and I can take advantage of my room to stow away my mail."
[b]”Very well, though I shall meet you there within the hour. That should still leave us ample time to discuss matters further. I go to meet with the head of my order, he is both powerful and wise, surely he will provide me with some insight, since it will be difficult to move against anyone without some proof to support our actions.”, Khadath then clasps arms with Kells and makes his way back to the Church of Lathander to speak with Liam Sunmist.
Kells nods to Khadath and heads back to the inn. I takes off his armor, cleans the little dust off of it, and rinses off himself with some water from the basin. He pulls his orange tunic back on and heads down to the common room to await his newfound friends.
"Hello everyone," Kessel says as he enters, "I trust I'm not late."
"No more than expected, KC," says Tobin, amiably, pushing out a chair for the minstrel. "I can recommend a cold mug of Fulbar's beer - and so can Darie, by the look of things." Tobin inclines his head towards the girl's already half-empty tankard.
"Evening all, sorry for being a little late," She waves the waitress over and orders an ale "Shall we order food or just drink?" she says to everyone assembled around the table.
Tobin grins wolfishly. "I'm a little peckish myself, and the food here is pretty good, as well as cheap - let's eat!"
Kells comes downstairs and sees Zereta at the table with some folks he doesn't know. He nods to himself, calming his nerves before presenting his 'persona' in front a group.
He bounds the last couple of steps down and strides happily up to the table. "Greetings Zereta! I hope you are ready to make good that which I owe you. The first two rounds are mine to buy. Hello, friends of Zereta. I am Kells HearthFire and I'm pleased to make your aquantence!"
Darie raised her half-drunk tankard, and sighed. "Hey, ease up. I feel as if each bone in my body wants to leave it in a different direction. I earned this drink" Being both cranky and too damn tired to fight wasn't really a situation to elevate her mood.
She kept on the lookout for this "Auric Tallstag" character, though... If nothing else, it might be an entertaining evening.
"No more than expected, KC," says Tobin, amiably, pushing out a chair for the minstrel. "I can recommend a cold mug of Fulbar's beer - and so can Darie, by the look of things." Tobin inclines his head towards the girl's already half-empty tankard.
"Thank you my good man," Kessel says, accepting the chair, "you're too kind."
Darie entered about the same time Kessel made his way to the tavern, covered in sawdust, sweat and half-dried resin. She looked very tired, but at the same time not ready to just collapse into bed and sleep. "Same goes for me... Lugging these logs took longer than i though... and damn, he was right when he said i might not have the arms for it."
"Excuse me there Darie," Kessel say once the girl sits and settles, "why are you taking a manual labor jobs," he asks brushing some sawdust off of Darie's shoulder, "some clerical work or some shop work might be a better fit, for you and any potential employer, I don't mean to offend but not all of us are built for heavy lifting."
Khadath greets everyone in turn as they enter and take a seat. He is sitting back with an ale in hand quite relaxed and enjoying the company of old and new friends alike.
Tobin grins wolfishly. "I'm a little peckish myself, and the food here is pretty good, as well as cheap - let's eat!"
”I agree, I wonder what Fulbar has for the house special today?”
"Excuse me there Darie," Kessel say once the girl sits and settles, "why are you taking a manual labor jobs," he asks brushing some sawdust off of Darie's shoulder, "some clerical work or some shop work might be a better fit, for you and any potential employer, I don't mean to offend but not all of us are built for heavy lifting."
"Offend me? Nah... not when you're right. I've simply not found anything else, and with me not being so sure on how its going to go on, in the long run, i doubt it'll change soon."
Taking a long sip, she paused, but then decided to elaborate on that point. "You know, its not exactly a good thing for anyone who might want to hire you if they don't know if you'll still be around come a month."
DC:15 Knowledge local:
As people settle in the Happy Cow the doors are lightly flung open and Auric enters with a bright smile, looking around the taproom his smile broadens into a grin as he spots Darie and he starts to make his way over to her table. Following Auric is an elven woman who follows his gaze briefly before shaking her head and heading towards the bar.
Khadath:
As people settle in the Happy Cow the doors are lightly flung open and Auric enters with a bright smile, looking around the taproom his smile broadens into a grin as he spots Darie and he starts to make his way over to her table. Following Auric is an elven woman who follows his gaze briefly before shaking her head and heading towards the bar.
Darie, with her usual slightly-distracted attitude gave Auric a smile and a short nod as she noticed his interest - but didn't quite catch the elven womans attention. But she minded her manners for the moment, and didn't talk to him first.
Her disheveled state was starting to annoy her, however, and she "felt" that she could change it... it wasn't hard, even. Words, a few quick motions with her left hand, and it'd be done. She knew how to do it. Yet... Auntie Merio had once explained how it was. Once you start accepting "it", you pretty soon think up all kinds of situations where you could also use it.
On the other hand, she really didn't want to become another Auntie Merio. Yet for the moment, the need wasn't really as pressing. She'd just excuse her appearance if Auric ever brought it up.
Zereta smiles when she see the muscled warrior walk in and wonders who he smiling at..."must be checking me out" she thinks to herself and with that she smiles more. When ale is brought over by the barmaid Zereta quickly begins to drink it down. "Ah to be surround by friend both new and old..." she says mostly to herself as she looks around the assemble group...
The following should be spoken just before Auric and Co enter
Kessel nods, listening to Darie's complaints, and he leans back in his chair when she finishes speaking.
"That is a problem," Kessel nods, "where are you trying to go? Daggerford isn't a bad place compared to some of the cities in the realms, but you'll want to save your money if your planing to visit anything bigger, you need money just to enter a big city like Waterdeep."
Kessel glances over at his friend Khadath, "Hey Khadath," Kessel says raising his voice slightly, "are you going to introduce your friend?"
Shrugging defensively, Darie turned her attention back from the warrior to Kessel "I don't really know. I don't think i want to stay here, the town has been going to all hells lately. But where i want to go, i don't really know yet. Maybe south, i heard there is a land where there actually are ships that sail the clouds."
"As to how to get money, its the eternal problem: If you spend more money on having a safe place to sleep and some food, you'll never get anywhere you can make more." she snorted in amusement. "Maybe i will take up adventuring. One or two dragons caves should put me up for a nice posh townhouse somewhere."
Kells smiles at Kessel and introduces himself more properly.
"My name is Kells HearthFire, most lately of Baldur's Gate. I spent some time here in Daggerford a few years back, it holds some fond memories, and have been thinking about investing in some of the mines." He nods toward Darie "And I agree. The town has fallen on some hard times. I would like to help reinvigorate this place, to make it more like Daggerford I remember. So, I'm casting a critical eye at the local mining concerns and which are the horses that the owners don't beat, so to speak."
"And, much like Zereta and the rest of you, I just met our good Khadath today. But as he is a patron of the Blesser of New Enterprise, I choose to look at it as portentus in the extreme."
Downing the last gulp from her ale, Darie looked Kells over quizzedly. "While i can only agree, just what would that new enterprise be? Turning this town around needs more than a peasant girl, a priest and... wait a second. A priest, a traveling bard, a blacksmiths daughter..."
She couldn't help but laugh, deep out of her belly, at this point. "That sounds like some bards tale about a foolish, but heroic band of misfits daring the world, and enjoying Lady Lucks favor."
Khadath was about to introduce Kells, but then the paladin beat him to the punch an introduced himself.
”Well, that’s that then. Now that we’ve all been acquainted I would like to propose a toast to you all.” Khadath clears his throat quickly, ”may each day be prosperous and that you live it to the fullest!” he holds his tankard up as he looks to everyone in turn.
As Auric notices the group and begins to approach Khadath adds ”it would seem we have a guest interested in our little gathering”
he nods and greets Auric ”Well met”, but leaves it to one of the others if they want to invite him to join them, though Khadath doesn’t mind if he does, he didn’t want to intrude upon what he thought was a more personal gathering.
Khadath has had other priorities and not being a frequent patron to the Happy Cow is Unaware of any changes to the establishment.
Kayotic DM
Unless Sunmist urges that he might as well take then now, as the need may arise unexpectedly?
Kells smiles at Kessel and introduces himself more properly.
"My name is Kells HearthFire, most lately of Baldur's Gate. I spent some time here in Daggerford a few years back, it holds some fond memories, and have been thinking about investing in some of the mines." He nods toward Darie "And I agree. The town has fallen on some hard times. I would like to help reinvigorate this place, to make it more like Daggerford I remember. So, I'm casting a critical eye at the local mining concerns and which are the horses that the owners don't beat, so to speak."
"And, much like Zereta and the rest of you, I just met our good Khadath today. But as he is a patron of the Blesser of New Enterprise, I choose to look at it as portentus in the extreme."
"Tell me Kells, when were you here last? The place has always had some fond memories for myself as well, mainly because of the people, but I can't every recall it ever being a bastion of humanity of kindness. Then again my people aren't exactly big on cities. No, the city hasn't changed that much I expect, some of the paint has rubbed off exposing the ugliness under the surface, but it's still the rotting mass it's always been . . ."
Downing the last gulp from her ale, Darie looked Kells over quizzedly. "While i can only agree, just what would that new enterprise be? Turning this town around needs more than a peasant girl, a priest and... wait a second. A priest, a traveling bard, a blacksmiths daughter..."
She couldn't help but laugh, deep out of her belly, at this point. "That sounds like some bards tale about a foolish, but heroic band of misfits daring the world, and enjoying Lady Lucks favor."
Kessel laughs.
"In all seriousness, I'm no traveling bard, and just between you and me," Kessel says leaning in close, "they never include merchants," He says looking at Kells.
As the NPCs walk in, Kessel's smile quickly fades:
"Oh goody," Kessel says in a flat voice, "Auric is here. For some reason bard songs about his type are always popular."
Kells raises his mug to Khadath's toast and makes sure to klink it against his and Zereta's with a smile. When Kessel asks him about his history, he wipes the foam off of his lip with the back of his hand.
"Oh, it was probably at more than a half-dozen years. I was traveling with my parents. We spent a year of two of the interviening time working here or passing through. Part of the fondness was probably born of the enjoyment of the traveling, but Daggerford holds a place in my heart, nonetheless."
"And, I hope to be investing in one the more reputable mines. I'm not interested in dealing with those who don't treat thier workers well. Mining is hard work, but that doesn't mean the men that do it should be treated as mere tools for the disgarding when worn."
When Kessel asks him about his history, he wipes the foam off of his lip with the back of his hand.
"Oh, it was probably at more than a half-dozen years. I was traveling with my parents. We spent a year of two of the interviening time working here or passing through. Part of the fondness was probably born of the enjoyment of the traveling, but Daggerford holds a place in my heart, nonetheless."
"And, I hope to be investing in one the more reputable mines. I'm not interested in dealing with those who don't treat thier workers well. Mining is hard work, but that doesn't mean the men that do it should be treated as mere tools for the disgarding when worn."
"You might not make very much money in the mining business I'm afraid then. Money, in that industry, is made off the blood and sweat of the workers. Don't feel too badly for them though, many are prisoners who did horrible things, and many of the others find themselves with few other choices: these are the type of people that owe money, that are on the run (likely wanted men), or are simply drifters or loners that have rejected society. Sure there's the odd sad tale, the odd unfortunate that simply never bothered to learn any useful skills, but for the most part people in those mines are the dregs of society. Most of the folk running the mines aren't much better. I don't think there are many honest folk in the mining industry.
“Unless you have plans to reform the whole industry . . . I think part of this stems from the leadership, things weren’t very rosy under the duke, but things do seem a whole lot worse now. Perhaps that’s because I’ve grown, seen a bit of the world, but Daggerford isn’t the sort of place I remember it being as a child.”
Kessel shrugs, “I’m sorry Kells, maybe you might look into buying up some farms, there still seems to be some honest money to be made in that, but I’m afraid that greed and the incessant need for metal has ruined the business.”
Kell's jaw clenches a bit and his smile fails to entirely reach his eyes. "I'm very familiar with the industry, Kessel. I've known the stories and the character of many a miner. I am afraid you do them a diservice. To be certain, I hold no illusions that miners are all good and virtuous, but they are all people. Even if they are working of a debtors price or a slave, they are all people and should be afforded some dignity. Your stance is quite like saying 'Don't be sorrowful for the minstrel who starves and freezes to death in an alley because it is known that the profession is full of inebriates, degenerates, and catamounts'."
"I reject that thinking. I wish to improve the lot of the miners and I am definitely not averse to knocking the corrupt underpinnings of the Miner's Guild out of place and shoring it up with supports that are not rotted throughout.
I know you mean no offense, friend, and that your advice is well intended, but my resolve is fixed on the industry. The amount of coin I pad my coffers with matter not a whit to me, I desire different currencies... justice, piece, and happiness for my fellow man."
Kell's jaw clenches a bit and his smile fails to entirely reach his eyes. "I'm very familiar with the industry, Kessel. I've known the stories and the character of many a miner. I am afraid you do them a diservice. To be certain, I hold no illusions that miners are all good and virtuous, but they are all people. Even if they are working of a debtors price or a slave, they are all people and should be afforded some dignity. Your stance is quite like saying 'Don't be sorrowful for the minstrel who starves and freezes to death in an alley because it is known that the profession is full of inebriates, degenerates, and catamounts'."
"I reject that thinking. I wish to improve the lot of the miners and I am definitely not averse to knocking the corrupt underpinnings of the Miner's Guild out of place and shoring it up with supports that are not rotted throughout.
I know you mean no offense, friend, and that your advice is well intended, but my resolve is fixed on the industry. The amount of coin I pad my coffers with matter not a whit to me, I desire different currencies... justice, piece, and happiness for my fellow man."
Kessel studies the man for some time. Gently rubbing his chin as his dark eyes try to borrow into Kells soul.
"There are far too many minstrels in the world and you'll excuse me if I fail to show much sympathy for that ilk. And I think you misunderstand me Kells, I'm not saying that these folk are unworthy of love or compassion, nor am I saying that they deserve to be mistreated, but what I'm telling you is that if you hope to change people's lives in those mines throwing money at the problem is only going to result in two things, you loosing good money, and people resenting you for not helping them. What I'm trying to say is you're standing in a ocean of human suffering and you're trying to change the tides with an oar.
"Besides," Kessel says opening his hands, "you're running under the assumption that one mine owner is better then the next. I believe Smenk is top dog right now but I seriously doubt he's any worse then his competition. They have little respect for Mother Earth, is it little wonder that they have little respect for man?"
The tension subtly fades from Kells jaw and the grin reaches his eyes a bit more.
"There is truth in what you say about the capacity for respect. Especially as it pertains to the mining leadership. That is why I don't intend to try to change the current of the ocean alone. I inted to find someone willing to row with me, and then we will find someone to row with us, and so on until there is not a galley that could contain the number of people rowing or the swell of tide changing. I acknowledge my limitations, but I will not be a servant to them. I will continue to test and strain them as long as I am able to work to brighten the world the sun shines down upon."
"But this is heavy talk... we should be enjoying new company this night." Kells signals a bargirl "It is high time for that second round, Zereta."
"But this is heavy talk... we should be enjoying new company this night." Kells signals a bargirl "It is high time for that second round, Zereta."
"An excellent idea, Kells," Tobin agrees, "some more drinks to lift our spirits and cement our friendship! I believe there was some talk of food, too?" Tobin asks the bargirl to bring a large pot of something nourishing and spicy to the table.
"But, you know, I think Darie may be on to something. We do resemble one of those ragtag bands in the stories. We all seem to be looking for a change in our lives, and the lives of those around us. Perhaps we could get somewhere if we worked together? We even have our own chronicler!" Tobin smiles at KC. "But how to go about it...?"
Tobin leans back in his chair and looks over at the muscular man that Khadath spoke to. "What do you say, sir? How can a band of misfits go about making their fortune and setting the world to rights?"